Ireland moves to grant paid leave after abortion, drawing pro-life concern
Caroline MolloyIrish lawmakers have approved the framework of a bill that would provide five days of paid leave after an early “pregnancy loss” – including when the pregnancy was deliberately ended through abortion.
The proposed Pregnancy Loss Leave Bill would cover losses occurring before 23 weeks of pregnancy. Although government officials have primarily presented the measure as compassionate support for women suffering miscarriages, reporting on the approved framework confirms that women who obtain abortions would also qualify as long as a doctor certifies the end of the pregnancy.
The proposal offers five days of leave per year, paid by employers at 70% of the employee’s daily earnings and capped at €110 ($126) per day. The right to take leave would begin on the first day of employment, while receiving payment would require 13 weeks of service. Medical certification would also be required, RTE reported.
The Cabinet’s approval does not make the policy law immediately. The full legislation must now be drafted and brought before Ireland’s parliament, where reports indicate it is likely to receive broad support, according to The Irish Times.
Pro-life advocates argue that extending a benefit for women bereaved by miscarriage to women who have their unborn babies aborted exposes a deep contradiction in the government’s approach to women and children.
Eilís Mulroy of Ireland’s Pro Life Campaign said government leaders are effectively acknowledging that abortion may bring grief and trauma while simultaneously seeking to remove safeguards that could help women avoid that suffering.
“So first they voted to abolish the three-day reflection period prior to an abortion,” Mulroy said, “and now senior members of government like Micheál Martin and Simon Harris are, in effect, saying to women: ‘We recognise the grief and trauma you might experience after an abortion, so we believe you’re entitled to five days’ leave.’”
